The Best Daycare Centers in Charlestown, NH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Charlestown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Charlestown
The Children's Place at Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health
The Children's Place is a NAEYC-accredited early childhood education center operated by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. They employ a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum with highly qualified early childhood educators. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious meal programs, and extensive indoor/outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities while maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Claremont
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare center serves the Charlestown area with comprehensive early childhood programs featuring their proprietary curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social skills. The center maintains high safety standards with secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Qualified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed developmental portfolios for each child. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and learning centers that encourage exploration and discovery.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts offers a nature-inspired, play-based curriculum that encourages hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. The center features certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed progress reports. Their program emphasizes social skills, emotional intelligence, and kindergarten readiness through structured activities and free play. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and natural outdoor play spaces with gardens and exploration areas. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and focus on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Charlestown, NH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Charlestown, NH, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In New Hampshire, all childcare providers caring for more than three children unrelated to them must be licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Child Care Licensing Unit. This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a license for a provider in Charlestown, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the NH DHHS website. You can also contact the Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's crucial to confirm a provider is licensed, as this is your primary assurance of regulated safety standards. Unlicensed care for more than three children is illegal and unregulated.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Charlestown, NH?
Childcare costs in Charlestown and the surrounding Sullivan County area are generally lower than in more urban parts of New Hampshire, but they still represent a significant expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $150 to $220 per week. These are estimates, and rates vary based on the program's amenities, staff qualifications, and included services (like meals). It's important to ask what the weekly fee includes. For financial assistance, New Hampshire offers the Child Care Scholarship Program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the NH DHHS.
Are there any state or local resources in Charlestown to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, the primary resource for parents in Charlestown is the statewide **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network**, specifically 4-C's of NH (Community Child Care Center of Portsmouth). While not based in Charlestown, they serve the entire state. You can call their referral line or use their online search to find licensed providers in your zip code (03603). They can provide lists, help you understand quality indicators, and explain financial assistance options. Locally, you can also check with the **Charlestown Town Office** for any community bulletins or known providers, and connect with other parents through community groups or the Charlestown Elementary School for word-of-mouth recommendations, which are very valuable in a small town.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers or homes in Charlestown, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small town like Charlestown, waitlists for infant and toddler care can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months or more for the most sought-after programs. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, how often it's updated, if there's a fee to be on it, and their typical turnover rate. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Claremont, Newport, or Springfield, VT, which may have more options but will involve commuting. Being flexible with your start date can also help.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Charlestown?
For school-age children attending Charlestown Elementary School (SAU #35), the primary option is the school's own **SAU 35 After School Program**. This program typically operates on school days, providing care from dismissal until around 5:30 PM. It often includes homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Space may be limited, so early registration is advised. Some licensed family childcare homes in the area may also offer before- and after-school transportation and care. For more flexible or non-traditional hour care, you may need to seek a licensed family childcare home that offers those hours, as dedicated centers for school-age care are scarce in small rural towns. Checking with the school office for an updated list of providers who offer transportation is a good first step.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Charlestown: